Graduate How To Apply

General Eligibility CriteriaAll of the following criteria must be met:

be accepted to the University of Miami and enroll in an eligible degree program

be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen

register with the Selective Service system if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 24

make satisfactory progress toward a degree or completion of a recognized certificate program

not owe repayment on a Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), or a state grant at any institution

not be in default/delinquent on any Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan, or PLUS Loan at any institution

not have borrowed in excess of the limits for the Perkins or Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan programs

not have been convicted as an adult of possessing or selling illegal drugs

Prospective and Continuing StudentsTo be considered for federal and state need-based aid, the following must be completed:

If a prospective student or a student seeking readmission, apply to the University as a degree-seeking student

Complete the FAFSA Online
Federal School Code is 001536
Create an FSA ID and Password at fsaid.ed.gov.
FAFSA may be completed as early as January 1, but before the preferred filing deadline of April 15 for graduate students. Students applying after the preferred date will be awarded on a funds available basis.

Accept/Decline Aid in CaneLink
Students will be awarded financial aid based on an estimated full time cost of attendance assuming the annual per credit cost of tuition for nine credits per term. Before the start of the term the Office of Financial Assistance will adjust each student’s Cost of Attendance based on their actual tuition charges and if necessary reduce their financial aid.

If a student registers for additional courses and needs an increase in their loans they can request this in writing by emailing our office at gradprof.finaid@miami.edu from their UM e-mail address.

Complete Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling
These requirements must be completed via www.studentloans.gov. Note that "Financial Awareness Counseling", which provides tools and information to help students understand financial aid and manage their finances, does not meet the federal requirements for completing the Entrance Counseling.

Need DeterminationYour completed FAFSA will be reviewed to determine your financial need. Financial need is the remaining balance once the estimated family contribution has been subtracted from the cost of attendance:

1.

Cost of Attendance (COA)
Includes tuition, fees, on and off campus room and board costs, and additional allowance for books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses.

2.

Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
Independent graduate students' families include the student, spouse, and dependent children if applicable.

(COA – EFC = Financial Need)

Verification
Verification is a federally mandated review process. The Office of Financial Assistance Services is required to obtain and compare information submitted on tax documents, the verification form and the FAFSA. Failure to submit requested documentation may result in cancellation of aid previously offered. Need-based financial assistance (e.g. Federal Work Study and Federal Perkins Loan) cannot be processed or credited to the student's account until the verification process is complete

Any differences between information entered on the verification form or other requested documents and the FAFSA will result in a new determination of financial need. This new determination of financial need may alter the student's financial aid awards and eligibility. Students will be notified by email when a revised award letter has been generated due to verification adjustments.

Students will be notified by email if they are selected for verification, and must submit the verification form along with all required documents. A list of required documents will be available to students selected for verification in CaneLink on their “To Do List.”

Note: Federal regulations require submission of IRS Tax Return Transcripts. These may be ordered at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946.

Below are the financial aid application requirements for prospective U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen graduate students. Use the checklist provided to make sure you submit all of the required forms and documents on time. To learn how to apply for loans click here.

Summer Loans
To qualify for a summer loan, in addition to the steps above, students must be enrolled in summer classes. Your aid eligibility will then be determined and posted in CaneLink.

Additional Documentation
Students will be notified via their CaneLink account “To-Do” list of any additional documentation the Office of Financial Assistance Services deems necessary in review and processing of the student’s financial aid application. No financial aid can be finalized until all requested documentation is received and reviewed by the OFAS.

Award Notification
Graduate students will receive an email alerting them that awards have posted to their CaneLink account. You may accept/decline all or any portion of the award through CaneLink.